On the effect of fine second-phase particles on primary recrystallization as a function of strain

Some alloys containing fine, undeformable, second-phase particles (typically, 25 nm < diameter < 1 μm; 8 nm < interparticle-spacing < 0.5 μm) can display either accelerated or retarded recrystallization depending on the particle dispersion parameters. The recrystallization of a series of such alloys, internally oxidized (112)[111¯] single crystal plates of copper containing SiO2 particles, has been examined over a range of true strains from 32% to 335%. The stored energies and recrystallization temperatures have been measured at various strain levels using differential scanning calorimetry. A model to explain the recrystallization kinetics based on a balance between the extra stored energy of deformation due to the geometrically-necessary dislocations associated with the particles and particle pinning is presented. The experimental results are found to be in reasonable agreement with this model.